The long-term goal of reducing traffic deaths is a priority for Colorado officials. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) have set a target to lower car-accident-related deaths and serious injuries by 22.5 percent by 2027. However, meeting that goal will require significant changes in enforcement and infrastructure. While 2024 saw an overall decline in traffic fatalities, certain cities and counties experienced sharp increases, raising concerns about high-risk areas and persistent roadway dangers.
Where are Colorado’s roads most dangerous?
Despite the 5 percent drop in total fatalities, some areas of the state saw significant increases in deadly crashes. Certain cities and counties remain high-risk zones for fatal accidents, highlighting the need for targeted safety measures.
Cities with the highest traffic fatalities:
- Denver – 61 (down 21%)
- Colorado Springs – 47 (down 2%)
- Aurora – 45 (down 29%)
- Pueblo – 21 (down 9%)
- Lakewood – 21 (up 5%)
- Thornton – 18 (up 157%)
- Fort Collins – 14 (up 8%)
- Greeley – 14 (up 27%)
Counties with the highest traffic fatalities:
- Adams – 84 (up 38%)
- El Paso – 78 (no change)
- Weld – 67 (up 20%)
- Denver – 61 (down 21%)
- Arapahoe – 55 (down 19%)
- Jefferson – 54 (up 13%)
- Larimer – 35 (down 19%)
Certain crash types also saw notable increases. Motorcycle accident fatalities rose by 23 percent, while construction zone deaths nearly doubled. These statistics reinforce the importance of targeted safety initiatives, particularly in high-risk locations.
What new safety measures are being planned?
To meet the 2027 goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries, CDOT and CSP are focusing on improving enforcement, increasing public awareness, and enhancing road infrastructure. Some of the proposed measures include:
- Enhanced speed enforcement – El Paso and Jefferson Counties had some of the highest numbers of speeding citations in 2024. Increased patrols and automated enforcement may be used to deter excessive speeding.
- Stronger impaired driving initiatives – With 210 deaths linked to impaired driving, CDOT plans to expand public education campaigns and increase DUI enforcement efforts.
- Construction zone protections – After a 94 percent increase in fatalities, CDOT is considering new barriers, improved signage, and stricter penalties for reckless driving in work zones.
- Infrastructure improvements – Plans include redesigning intersections, adding better lighting, and expanding pedestrian and cyclist protections.
While these measures seek to reduce accidents, reckless and negligent driving remains a primary cause of serious and fatal crashes. A single moment of distraction, speeding, or impaired driving can result in catastrophic consequences for victims and their families.
The most common causes of fatal crashes in Colorado
While infrastructure and enforcement play a role in traffic safety, driver behavior is often the deciding factor in fatal crashes. Some of the most common causes of deadly accidents include:
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity, making it one of the leading factors in fatal accidents.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol and drug-related crashes resulted in 210 deaths in 2024, showing that impaired drivers continue to be a major threat to everyone on the road.
- Distracted driving – Texting, using a GPS, or anything else that takes attention away from the road and can lead to deadly consequences.
- Reckless lane changes and failure to yield – Sudden or aggressive driving maneuvers often lead to high-speed collisions.
Last year, 183 people who died in crashes were also not wearing seatbelts, despite seatbelt use being one of the easiest ways to prevent fatal injuries.
Remember, fatal car accidents are rarely accidents — they are often the result of negligence, recklessness, or preventable errors. When drivers fail to follow traffic laws or take unnecessary risks, they put everyone else on the road in danger.
How The Longo Firm, LLC helps crash victims in Colorado
Despite CDOT’s safety measures, Colorado roads remain dangerous, especially in high-risk areas like El Paso County. When a serious crash happens, victims and their families often face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and a long recovery process. In cases of wrongful death, grieving families are left searching for answers and justice.
The Longo Firm, LLC fights for car accident victims in Colorado Springs and throughout the state. Our dedicated legal team investigates crashes, gathers critical evidence, and works to hold negligent drivers accountable. Whether through negotiating with insurance companies or taking cases to trial, we help clients pursue fair and full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Injured in a Colorado crash? Let us fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact The Longo Firm, LLC today for a free consultation to learn how an experienced car accident attorney can help you.
"Stephen walked us through the entire process and made sure that we were consistently well informed. He made the entire process very easy and stress free. Highly recommend Stephen to anyone needing his services." - Spencer P., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐